Wedding and Reception FAQ

Weddings

1. If I book an outdoor wedding what do I do if it rains (or is excessively hot or cold)?

Your wedding can be held in our climate-controlled 5,000-square-foot event center.

2. When is the best time to have an outdoor wedding?

Outdoor weddings are best held in the warmer months of the year from April through early November.

3. Where can I get dressed?

We have a Bride’s dressing room/lounge with a fridge at the Reception Hall and a Groom’s Dressing Room/Lounge with a restroom and a fridge near the Garden Wedding Venue.

4. How much does it cost?

See our Book Your Event page for details.

5. Can I see the venue before I commit?

Absolutely! Call 800-669-2005 or email TennesseeTrailman@gmail.com to arrange a visit.

6. Is a contract required?

Yes. Your signed contract will lock in your price in case of price increases. 

7. How much experience do you have?

Starting in 1995, we have hosted hundreds of weddings and other events and are very proud of our high ratings across all rating sites.

8. How many events do you book on a weekend?

Only one per weekend! So you get our undivided attention to make your wedding the special day you always dreamed that it would be. 

9. What is your capacity?

We can seat 150 for either outdoor or indoor weddings. We set up the chairs for free and can provide shepherd's hooks for hanging pots outside. 

10, Can you provide a registration or gift table?

Yes, these are included (with linen and lace topper).

11. Can we have a rehearsal the day before?

You have access to the Venue at noon on the day before the wedding for decorating and the rehearsal up to 8:00 PM. 

12. When can we arrive on the wedding day?

You can arrive as early as 9:00 AM for decorating, pictures, and dressing.

13. Can we take pictures in the Gardens?

Please do. The entire Sunshine Hollow Gardens can be used for your wedding or reception pictures.

14, Can I arrange to take pictures on a different day?

Yes. If you prefer to do your pictures on a day other than your wedding or reception you can make an appointment. 

15. Can we bring our own photographer and officiant?

We do not provide photographers, videographers, or officiants, so please arrange these yourself.

Receptions

1. Do you provide catering?

Yes, you choose either a hot buffet meal or a Hors d'oeuvres spread. We can also bake your Wedding and Groom's cakes. 

2. Can I cater my own reception?

Yes. We do permit families to personally cater their own reception. There is a small charge for linens, cleanup, and trash removal if you wish to furnish your own food. We provide all guest tables and chairs. If you need chafing dishes, serving pieces, or other items to serve your food, those are available at a small rental fee. 

3. Can I bring in another professional caterer?

We currently do not permit outside Professional Caterers with the exception of Wedding or Groom’s cakes.

4. Can I have a DJ or musicians?

Yes, if you want music please bring your own musicians or DJ. A portable sound system is available for your use as well as power for your music or sound systems.

5. Can we have alcohol?

As we are in a dry county, we cannot provide alcohol or bartenders ourselves. We do permit the service of alcohol, but if you do, we require Event Insurance and an extra cleanup fee. We can recommend a Bartending service for you. 

6. Will you serve the Wedding Cake?

If we bake your Wedding Cake, we provide a cake table and serve the cake for you. 

7. Can we have candles?

Flameless tea light candles and white candle holders are available to borrow. We do not allow flamed candles.

8. Is a contract required?

Yes. Your signed contract will lock in your price in case of price increases. 

9. How many people do you seat per table?

We provide guest tables with linen table covers that seat 8 and padded white chairs for your group.

10. Can you provide a table for the bride & groom?

We provide either a table for the Bride and Groom or a head table for the entire wedding party.